Desert Stars is a 5-piece band from Brooklyn. Built on the creative output, and impressive lead vocals, of Janelle Best, the band dispatches a very dreamy/shoegaze/lo-fi sound. The band just finished recording it’s debut with a Spring release expected.

London producer Sam Howard, aka Halls, released his debut album Ark this year. “White Chalk” is quite possibly be the most beautiful song of 2012. Definitely a favorite of mine, easily in my top 10 tracks of the year. I’ve listened to “What Chalk” more than any other track this couple of months. The production, along with the vocals and classical piano chords, are superb. I especially love what Howard writes in the liner notes of Ark — “I hope you find a source of positivity from within the themes of isolation and death found on the album.”

Pacific Air is an indie pop band, consisting of brothers brothers Ryan and Taylor Lawhon. After changing their name from KO KO, the duo released their debut EP LONG LIVE KOKO this last Fall. Leadoff track “Float” is one of the most infectious and catchy dream pop tracks of 2012.

“‘Mtn Tune’ is the ideal summer anthem. Complimentary vocals, dancy synths and a guitar/drum combination that reminds one of The Neighbourhood — this song has it all. Be it on a beach or in your back yard, let Trails and Ways guide your dance in the sun, and inhale the blissful existence of summer.” – EARMILK